When it comes to query letters, I get these questions a lot from newer writers. So, I decided to do a blog post about writing credits for anyone else out there who is wondering the same thing.

As I always state when giving advice: I strive to give the best I possibly can, but I’m just one person. Other authors have had different experiences than mine, and accordingly, will have different advice. Like with many things, it’s best to do some research, read multiple blogs, and figure out what’s ideal for you, your query, and your novel.

First of all, let me start off by saying I am in no way an expert on query letters. The one that landed me an agent went through roughly thirty rewrites. Yes, you read that right. Not three. Thirty. Some writers believe the query letter takes more time and effort than the entire manuscript itself. Some days, I’m inclined to agree with them. It sounds rough, I know, but as long as you’re not afraid to get your elbows dirty and your ego bruised more than once, you’re already on the right track.

The summary paragraphs for every query letter (except non-fiction) should have three parts: character, conflict, and stakes — in that order. Continue reading →

When I first started drafting my query letter, I set myself on the most epic of all quests: discovering what it would take to get an agent drooling to read my book. Every spare minute I had was spent hunched over the computer, reading blog after blog.

At first, all I could find was basic information about writing a three part book summary for your query letter: Character, Conflict, and Stakes.

Is this all it really takes to impress an agent? Write a three-part summary and you’re in?